Roderick Williams: Sacred Choral Works

For its first recording, the Old Royal Naval College Trinity Laban Chapel Choir performs under veteran conductor Ralph Allwood (of Eton Choral Courses fame). The music is by one of the UK’s most admired baritones, Roderick Williams—on this evidence, a fine composer very much in the British tradition that started with Vaughan Williams and his contemporaries. The gospel-inspired “Mary Had a Baby” is fun, and “Christmas Bells” has the makings of a standard for amateur choirs. Great melodies, lush harmonies, and accomplished singing make this a lovely and nicely varied collection.